Thoren’s office door was ajar when I reached it.
He was standing near the window, hands clasped behind his back, watching the outer courtyard below like the world might try something if he blinked.
He didn’t turn when I stepped inside.
“It took you a bit longer to get back than I expected,” he said mildly.
Not accusation. Just observation.
I closed the door behind me. “Apologies. I ran into something unexpected.”
“Something,” he echoed.
Then he turned, one brow lifting. “Or someone?”
I exhaled through my nose. “You’re enjoying this.”
“A little,” he admitted. “Hard not to when I watched you walk in with Reddick a step behind you.”
My jaw tightened. “I kept the conversation as short as possible. We’ll pick it up after I finish today’s business.”
Thoren’s mouth curved faintly. “By
